Food news we know you can use

As winter starts winding down, so does the cool weather. Thankfully, spring isn’t too hot -- this time of year is actually nice. That’s good news for diners because you can actually eat outdoors comfortably. Plus you can take advantage of the spectacular views across the city.

One of those spectacular views can be found at La Mar by Gastón Acurio (500 Brickell Key Dr., 305-913-8358), which is located inside the Mandarin Oriental. The Brickell Key restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, but you’re going to want to sit outside: The Brickell skyline is gorgeous to behold on a beautiful day or a clear night. It’s also the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s Peruvian cuisine, which includes executive chef Diego Oka’s tasty twists on classic dishes, such as ceviches and causas.

In downtown Miami, Verde restaurant and bar at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (1103 Biscayne Blvd., 786-345-5697) offers guests an equally impressive view of Biscayne Bay to go with their lunch. Sit outside on your lunch break, nosh on a variety of European-inspired bites, and watch the boat traffic go by. It’s a relaxing sight and one that pairs well with a margherita pizza and a cold beer.

Those seeking more casual fare can turn to old standby Shuckers Waterfront Grill (1819 79th St. Cswy., 305-866-1570) in North Bay Village. Cheap beer and affordable raw bar selections are a few of its claims to fame, and you can enjoy both on a reinforced deck facing Biscayne Bay. Odds are you’ll stay here for hours slinging back budget-friendly brews and frozen drinks, just taking it all in.

Feel like splurging? Up north in Hallandale, the Asian eatery Etaru (111 S. Surf Rd., 954-271-3222) is making jaws drop with a beachside view and an extensive menu of excellent sashimi, maki, and robata specialties. A nighttime experience here is romance personified and a must, but we suggest a daytime visit first so you can enjoy the view unencumbered. No matter what time you visit, opt for the $95 tasting menu. It’s not cheap, but it’s a great value for the amount of food.

OPENINGS

We know that some people love their air conditioning, though, and a lot of newly opened restaurants promise a comfortable setting.

Just around the corner, La Centrale (701 S. Miami Ave.) has come to fruition after a lengthy construction process. The multi-floor immersive Italian dining experience was worth the wait. Whether you’re looking for a sit-down dinner, a glass of wine with friends, or a grab-and-go meal, the venue’s various vendors make a wonderful first impression.

Not to be left out, Buena Vista welcomed its own Italian newcomer, Palat Miami (4702 NE 2nd Ave., 786-953-7577). The restaurant’s varied offerings also pull in Mediterranean influences, resulting in an eclectic menu of lighter bites like burrata salad and steak tartare crostini, along with pork belly and other heartier mains. Vegetarian and gluten-free items are also available.

Down south in Wynwood, California’s Taco Stand (313 NW 25th St.) is busy churning out its namesake items, with burritos, quesadillas, churros, and other mouthwatering Mexican dishes. This outpost is Taco Stand’s first East Coast location, and it comes with a hidden omakase restaurant. That’s not a typo: Expect sushi and a rotating menu of dishes from various regions in Japan.

Speaking of sushi, Pubbelly Sushi’s northernmost location (19501 Biscayne Blvd., 305-690-7710) now joins Genuine Pizza, CVI.CHE 105, and Aventura Mall’s growing restaurant roster. Unlike the Pubbelly Sushi Market that opened last year inside the mall, this is a full-service operation. That means guests can enjoy everything on the menu from the Brickell, Dadeland, and Miami Beach locations, including the butter krab roll, big eye tuna, and tostones with ceviche.

In a month full of notable openings, we’re also happy to report that there haven’t been any notable closings. Let’s hope that the trend continues.

Geoffrey Anderson Jr. and Dianne Rubin are co-founders of Miami Food Pug, an award-winning South Florida food blog that fuses the couple’s love of dogs and food.

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